Paul Sockel

Paul J. Sockel, 88, of Shillington, formerly of Reading, passed away Thursday, August 21st at 7:06 a.m. at Mifflin Court.

Born December 19, 1919 in Reading, he was the son of the late J. Michael Sockel and Mary (Platkowski) Sockel.

He was the husband of Jessie H. (Janikowski) Sockel. Mr. & Mrs. Sockel have shared 67 years of marriage.

He was a 1937 graduate of Reading High School, and 1939 graduate of Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute.

He was a US Navy Veteran of World War II, and member of St. Joseph's R.C.C.- Reading.

Mr. Sockel worked as an engineer for Gilbert Associates in Reading for more than 44 years, retiring in 1983. He holds a patent for a Cooling Water System Design.

He was involved with the CYO as a basketball coach, and was an officer of the Parochial Football League from 1960 to 1970.

He was also a former treasuer of the HOBO Association, an investment club in Reading.

He enjoyed bowling, stream fishing and fishing at Lake Hauto in Schuylkill Co., and was an avid golfer, playing many rounds at Galen Hall. At the age of 82, while visiting his son at the beach in Deleware, he shot 2 birdies, one earlier in the round, and one on the last hole he ever played.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons: Jan P., husband of Carol Sockel of Mohnton, Michael D., husband of Robin Sockel of Memphis, TN; daughters: Janice C. (Sockel), wife of Rev. Dr. Harvey M. Weitzel of Norwalk, CT, and Tere M. (Sockel), wife of Larry Owens of Sinking Spring; grandchildren: Christine, Kimberly, Christian, Chiara, and Chelsea; great grandchildren: Tyler, Sabrina, Julia, Lucia, Portia, Annika, and Cole; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is pre deceased by brothers: Anthony, Joseph, and Michael, and sisters: Veronica and Marie.

Services from the Bean Funeral Homes, N. 16th & Rockland St., Reading, Monday at 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial Monday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's R.C.C., 1018 N. 8th St., Reading. Rev. Richard H. Clement, celebrant. Interment in Gethsemane Cemetery.

Friends will be received Sunday from 6 to 8:00 p.m. and Monday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's R.C.C., 1018 N. 8th St., Reading, PA 19604.

Bean Funeral Homes, Reading, are in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's R.C.C., 1018 N. 8th St., Reading, PA 19604.